Evaluation of Mandibular Incisive Canal using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Malaysians

Objectives The risk of damaging the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) during surgery in the anterior mandible should not be overlooked. Hence, preoperative radiographic assessment is essential to avoid complications. This study was aimed to estimate the length of the MIC in the interforaminal safe zone, to analyse its course in relation to the lingual and the buccal cortical plates of the mandible using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and to relate the above findings to age, gender, dental status and Malaysian races. Methods Retrospective analysis of 100 CBCT scans (n = 200) was performed on both sides of the mandible. Cross-sectional and panoramic images were reconstructed. The length of the MIC and the horizontal distances between the MIC and the buccal and the lingual cortical plates were measured at the three different points (starting, mid-, end points). Independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA test were used to analyse the variation in the length and course of the MIC in gender, age, dental status and Malaysian races. Results The mean length of the MIC was 11.31 +/- 2.65 mm, with the Malays having the longest MIC, followed by the Chinese and the Indians (p < 0.05). The MIC deviated towards the lingual cortical plate, with significance seen in the Indian and the male patients (p < 0.05). No significant difference was noticed with respect to patient age and dental status. Conclusions Assessment of the MIC should be performed using CBCT on a case-by-case basis as it provides essential information during preoperative planning of surgery in the anterior mandible.